A layover of 24 hours at Shanghai provided a traveler with an experience at a hotel that he would not forget. The room, which was shaped like a cave, set the traveler back roughly $250 and raised the question: Is using a themed hotel room altogether worth the price?
This journey began with some confusion since traveling with a German passport exempted him from needing a visa to enter China. The immigration process was relatively smooth, taking around 15 to 20 minutes. After getting his luggage, he changed a little money into Chinese yuan and prepared for a short stay.
Getting to the hotel from Shanghai airport
The hotel offered free transportation from the airport but organizing the pickup was far more complex than anticipated. As the traveler’s SIM card offered mobile data but did not allow making phone calls, airport staff had to assist in contacting the hotel.
Ultimately, the hotel gave directions to a meeting point and arranged for transport. The journey took around 10 to 15 minutes. Since the hotel was located near the airport and not in downtown Shanghai, the area around it looked quieter than the famous skyline of the city.
However, prior to checking the odd room, the first thing to do was having dinner.
Chinese Food in the Restaurant of the Cave Hotel Room
As opposed to going to his usual fast food chain, the traveler went to a local Chinese restaurant. He ended up ordering noodle with beef with onions and potatoes and a skewer of grilled lamb meat.
The food was a generous amount and excellent option to taste the northwestern China cuisine. The traveler particularly liked the braised lamb and beef meat and said that this meal is one of the best experiences during this short stop in Shanghai.
Once dinner was completed, it was time for visiting the Secret Cave Room.
Inside the $250 Secret Cave Hotel Room
The room was impossible to overlook with its cave-like interiors. Artificial rock walls were covering most of the room, creating the feeling of being in an underground cave.
There was a decorative tree near the entrance and in the bedroom one could find a double bed decorated with romantic touches. Additionally, the room contained a swing that, unfortunately, since it was not able to sustain the traveler’s weight.
In the room, there was a bathtub next to a window, as well as a minibar, coffee, tea, bottled water, and even a costume that makes the guests look like cavemen or cavewomen. There were also some small drums and chocolates to add more fun to the theme.
The bathroom was in a style that fit into the cave concept, that had already begun. However, despite the fact that it was not a luxury suite by the same interior design, some attention was paid to its unusual design.
Is the Secret Cave Room Really Worth $250?
After spending the night, the traveler noted that the room has a great atmosphere and that it is very quiet within the surroundings. Although he was a very light sleeper, he slept great and was able to have undistracted sleep.
Instead, they are actually paying for the experience itself.
For staying the night for a short layover in Shanghai, there was the Secret Cave Room which offered an unforgettable and quite handy experience due to the hotel being located just 10 to 15 minutes from the airport. However, staying there for several days would make those costs difficult to justify.
Those travelers searching for something extraordinary, instead of mere luxury, would be able to experience new impressions through spending the night in a cave-themed room.
